Nonlinear truss modeling method for masonry-infilled reinforced concrete frames

This paper presents a new modeling approach for masonry-infilled, reinforced concrete (RC) frames, based on the nonlinear truss analogy. The unreinforced masonry infill walls are modeled with truss cells containing horizontal, vertical and inclined elements. Zero-length macroelements are also used to account for the localized damage on mortar joints. The frame members are modeled with a recently proposed scheme that can account for inelastic response and can capture the effect of shear damage and failure of RC columns. The modeling approach is validated through analysis of experimentally tested masonry-infilled frames, and its capability in capturing the strength and damage patterns is evaluated. A sensitivity study is also provided, to elucidate the impact of several model parameters on the obtained analytical results.